This weekend, I had the privilege to represent CTU at the National Call to Action Conference in Louisville, KY. Each year, this conference gathers some 1500 participants from across the country committed to promoting justice in the church and beyond. In many ways, the demographic of conference attendees resembles that of CTU with its mix of multi-generations, religious and lay persons, professional ministers, volunteers, and seekers. I thought, What an ideal place to “spread the word” about CTU!

After a short time on the exhibit floor, I soon learned that CTU was already at work among many of the conference attendees—and for them, needed no introduction. Countless times, I was greeted like an old friend by alumni I had never met. I had to begin to use my notebook to record the messages I promised to deliver from old friends to members of the CTU community. Harrietta Halloway, our receptionist (and listening ear), was mentioned with reverence on more than one occasion. There were also students who studied elsewhere but had been inspired by visiting faculty, such as Fr. Don Senior. One gentleman had returned from our Holy Land trip last month and was still glowing. Several expressed gratitude for the ministry CTU members perform in their “free time,” such as Mark Schramm and Steve Bevans, who preside at the St. Giles Family Mass. An author in the booth across from me spoke admirably about his long time written correspondence with the late Barbara Bowe, treasured to this day.

I entered into the weekend prepared to do outreach and educate others on the opportunities of a CTU education. I was humbled each time someone approached me and gave witness to the impact of CTU on his or her life and ministry because I was not prepared to likewise receive. “Thank you for being here,” people said to me, again and again. My “No, thank you,” felt insignificant in return.

But I say it again.

Thank you. Thank you for enriching CTU by your presence. And thank you for carrying CTU with you as you enrich our church—and the world.